About

CA$ 51,921

pledged of CA$ 42,000 goal

469

backers

In 1974 Canada’s public broadcaster, the CBC, adopted a new logo designed by Burton Kramer. That logo, affectionately referred to as “the gem”, would become one of Canada’s most recognized corporate images, leaving an indelible mark both on Canadian culture and on our national identity.

As a tribute and celebration of that work, we wish to create a limited edition faithful reproduction of the original 1974 CBC Graphic Standards Manual (written and designed by Burton Kramer), in its entirety, so that designers, educators, students and enthusiasts can own a piece of Canadian design history.

What we are making:

Project Details:

Our limited edition reprint of the original 1974 CBC Graphic Standards Manual will be faithfully reproduced in its entirety, at original size and in high archival quality. A reproduction worthy of any bookshelf or designer's desk.

Scans

Each page of the original manual will be scanned at high resolution to capture the finest detail of the original print. Scans will retain all of the patina and detail of the now 40+ year old document. This includes any defects in the original printing, in order to be most faithful to the original.

Binding

While the original was bound in a three ring binder, the reproduction will be case-bound (hardcover) in cloth, by artisan inspired binders in Canada. The cover will feature a design inspired by the original manual, screen printed in 5 colours on blue cloth following the standards outlined in the 1974 manual itself.

Printing

Each scanned page image will be reproduced at 100% actual size in full CMYK colour using a 10-micron stochastic printing process (equivalent to around 650-line screen), with vegetable-based inks on bright white, archival quality #80 text substrate. Each page will be arranged exactly as it appears in the original document. Pantone swatch pages will be reproduced in CMYK as scanned, to preserve their appearance as it is today.

Images of the 1974 Standards Manual:

Sample Page Scanned from the original manual

Photographed pages from the original manual

Project Timeline

Below is the expected project timeline, as you can see we are on track for shipping in July 2017:

New Reward:"Canada's 28th Parliament" Limited Edition Poster

I'm excited to offer a unique art poster designed specifically for this campaign. The artwork is based off of a book cover designed by Burton Kramer for Canada's 28th Parliament (1968-1972) — see the campaign updates for an image of the original book. Those familiar with Canadian history will recognize that the 28th parliament is when the late Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau first formed government. The original artwork for the book cover designed by Burton Kramer (now in Canada's national archives) features a maple leaf formed from thick and thin vertical lines of red and blue. As a graphic it's quite striking and as an art poster it will make a decidedly noted addition to your wall:

'Canada's 28th Parliament' Limited Edition Poster

'Canada's 28th Parliament' Poster Detail

About Me

My name is Adrian Jean, a Canadian graphic designer and creative director.

I have grown a fascination with the highly prescriptive and deliberately structured world of identity design and more specifically of mid-century Swiss-influenced graphic work.

Over the years I became actively involved in my national professional association (GDC) where I was able to connect with national and international design communities. That experience sparked a growing curiosity about Canada's design heritage.

This project is my way of helping today's generation of designers connect to and learn from Canada's design heritage, as well as honour the work of Mr. Kramer and celebrate an identity that has become part of Canadian culture, yet recognized around the world.

I hope you agree that this project is worthwhile, and pledge your support for it today.

Acknowledgements

I want to personally thank Mr. Kramer for lending me one of his only remaining original copies of the 1974 CBC Graphic Standards Manual for this project, and for the wonderful conversations and encouragement that ensued.

I want to thank Arlene Gehmacher and the Royal Ontario Museum for preserving this important piece of design heritage, and supporting this project in principle.

I want to also thank CBC/Radio-Canada for their openness, curiosity, support and authorization to proceed with this project.

I also want to thank the thousands of people from around the world who showed their support during the petition to rally support to bring this project to the CBC's attention — we are here on Kickstarter today because of you and your interest!

Risks and challenges

With almost 20 years experience as a designer I have a clear command of what it takes to get a project like this done, as well as access to the resources to do it well.

I am already working with a respected and established Canadian printer with a strong track record in high quality printing and while I don't expect any issues, I have padded the timeline to account for unexpected challenges.

Those familiar with Canadian history will recognize that the 28th parliament is when the late Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau first formed government. The original artwork for the book cover designed by Burton Kramer (now in Canada's national archives) features a maple leaf formed from thick and thin vertical lines of red and blue. As a graphic it's quite striking and as an art poster it will make a decidedly noted addition to your wall.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge CA$ 500 or more
About US$ 372

Book SIGNED by Burton Kramer

Backers of the project at this level will receive as a reward, one Limited Edition 1974 CBC Graphic Manual Reprint, SIGNED by Burton Kramer, the designer of the 1974 CBC identity and author of the original manual. High quality, casebound/hardcover reproduction. This is a rare item!

Pledge CA$ 600 or more
About US$ 448

Signed GDC @60 Letterpress Poster + Book

A very limited edition poster created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Canada's oldest design association. Each of the 60 posters is hand numbered, signed and executed using a multi-plate letterpress process. The paper is a meaty 110# Crane’s Lettra, 100% cotton, specifically selected for its bite, colour and longevity. The design combines typographic and illustrative elements that combine to tell a visual story — the story is included with the poster. Ink and blind debossing are used to create a highly crafted feel and rich look.

This is the last remaining poster of this series that will ever be available for purchase.